If you've ever imagined yourself on victory lane at the Daytona International Speedway, now you can tour the track like a VIP.

Former Daytona Beach resident and newlywed Anthony Pagillo returned to Volusia County for his honeymoon on a mission.

“Bring my wife. She’s never been to the Speedway before and I LIKE IT!” Anthony said, adding emphasis to the word "like."

Like Anthony, with the Coke Zero 400 taking place this Independence Day weekend, you too can go beyond the stands. 

Three different tours allow visitors to climb aboard what looks to be a theme park parking lot tram and head inside.

“Construction of the Speedway began in November 1957,” explains tour guides as trams pull out several times an hour.

Trams take passengers through the tunnels, under the track and into the infield.

First stop, where every NASCAR driver wants to end up: Victory Lane.

“From Victory Lane, we went to the Media Center, where all the press goes for the big races,” Anthony said.

Visitors like Anthony will sit in the same seats as the working press in the media center. With cameras snapping photos, visitors stage a press conference as if they won the race, sitting in the same chair as the winner of the Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400.

Accustomed to driving on Germany’s famed Autobahn, Pascan Juergens looks like a stock car driver in his new Daytona hat. The motor sports fan from Germany couldn't go back to Europe without touring the Speedway.

“The motor sport was born right here. It’s amazing to be here and visit the Speedway,” Pascan said, almost in awe.

Every tour of the Speedway ends at the Motor Sports Hall of Fame, newly-relocated from up north. Inside, visitors can get an up-close look at any type of vehicle used in racing.

You’ll find Kurt Busch's winning 2017 Daytona 500 car is on display, along with things you may not expect like boats... go-carts... and Indy cars?

“We are known as the World Center of Racing. We host sports cars, stock cars, motorc­­ycles, go-carts,” Andrew Booth, the director of public relations said.

The collection inside the museum includes a Hall of Fame for all men and women who have lead motor sports. 

“They did an awesome job,” Anthony said after the tour.

Know Before You Go

Tours of Daytona Beach International Speedway take place every day, except near race day. NOTE: VIP tours resume Sunday, July 2.  Three different tours are available, depending on how much time visitors would like to stay. Get insight on the tours at the Daytona International Speedway website. 

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